Smiles to Share

By C. J. Gudmundson

Based on a true story

“Be of good cheer, and do not fear, for I the Lord am with you, and will stand by you” (D&C 68:6).

04286_000_027

“What did you learn in Primary today, Sasha?” Mom asked as they drove home from church.

“Sister Duffy taught us about special gifts called talents,” Sasha said. “She said Heavenly Father gave us all talents so we can help others. She said when we share our talents, it makes people happy.”

“That’s right,” Mom said. “Jesus taught that we should use our talents to serve others.”

Sasha sat quietly for a moment, staring out the window. “But, Mom, what about Lauren?” she asked.

“What about her?” Mom asked.

“Well, she can’t talk, and she’s in a wheelchair. What kinds of talents does she have that can help others?”

“What is the first thing you notice about Lauren when you see her?” Mom asked.

Sasha thought for a minute and then said, “Her smile. Lauren is always smiling.”

“That’s right,” Mom said. “What else?”

“She’s always laughing. Especially when we sing or she hears the piano. She always gets so excited. And she loves to blow kisses to people.”

“How do you feel when you are with Lauren?” Mom asked.

“Happy. I always feel happy when I’m around Lauren,” Sasha said.

“Me too,” Mom said. “That is one of Lauren’s talents. She shares love and happiness with everyone around her. That is one of the most special talents of all.”

“We are here to accomplish something, to bless society with our talents and our learning.”

President Gordon B. Hinckley (1910–2008), “How Can I Become the Woman of Whom I Dream?” Liahona, July 2001, 114.